IRCC Conducts Express Entry Draw for CEC With Lower CRS Score

Shiwangi Srivastava
[Published 22 Jan, 2026 | 06:45 AM]
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IRCC has continued its aggressive Express Entry strategy in 2026 by issuing another round of invitations under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The latest draw becomes the year’s fourth Express Entry round overall and confirms a second large-scale CEC-focused selection within the opening weeks of the year.

In just one month, 14,000 CEC candidates have already received Invitations to Apply (ITAs), a volume that has noticeably reshaped the Express Entry candidate pool.

This early surge in CEC invitations has also lowered CRS requirements, with both recent draws setting the lowest cut-off scores recorded since September 2024.

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Latest Express Entry Draw Result

IRCC welcomed the skilled candidate through the latest Express Entry draw on January 21, 2026, inviting 6000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 509.

• Draw Number: 392
• Date of Round: January 21, 2026
• Type of Draw: Canadian Experience Class
• Number of ITAs Issued: 6,000
• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 509
• Tie-Breaking Rule: October 29, 2025, at 04:35:24 UTC

If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

Express Entry draw Summary of 2026

Through the Express Entry draw, Canada welcomed 15,255 skilled candidates via the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

In the table, we will provide you with complete details about all the Express Entry draws that was help on 2026 so far.

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What Does Canadian Experience Class Draw Mean?

A Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw is a type of Express Entry round conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that focuses exclusively on candidates with skilled work experience in Canada.

Unlike general Express Entry draws that consider candidates from multiple programs, CEC draws target applicants with Canadian work experience, making it easier for temporary workers and international graduates to transition to permanent residence.

CEC draws are particularly significant because:

• Lower CRS scores: These draws often have lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores compared to general draws, giving more candidates a chance to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

• Fast-track PR opportunities: Candidates with Canadian experience are prioritized, allowing IRCC to retain skilled workers already contributing to the Canadian labour market.

• Regular selections: IRCC conducts multiple Canadian experience class draw throughout the year, adjusting the number of ITAs and CRS cut-offs based on the size of the Express Entry pool.

Receiving an ITA in a CEC draw allows candidates to apply for Canada permanent residence online within 60 days, making it a key pathway for skilled foreign workers and graduates to settle permanently in Canada.

Source: canada.ca